Sign won't help our kids learn

A few weeks ago, a sign went up on the corner of Brighton and Bauer roads. It is a very, very large illuminated sign announcing the presence of an elementary and middle school on that corner. The sign is at least three to four times larger than the Brighton High School sign down the road. It is brightly illuminated and announces picture-retaking dates or other such school events. It is particularly visible at night because it is so highly illuminated.

I was curious about this sign, and upon inquiring, I was told that the cost of this sign was $80,000. Seems the money came from funds received from a voter-passed bond issue that also upgraded sports fields.

Perhaps as voters we should inquire more about how this money will be specifically used before we give our approval. We should also require more transparency from our school board on how they are spending our money. I fail to see how the education of those students in that elementary and middle school is enhanced by an $80,000 sign. I personally would have liked that money to be spent on teacher and student enrichment programs.

I am also wondering how our city fathers allowed such a large, garish sign to be built. Were all the permits and standard protocols followed for the erection of such a sign, particularly its size? Maybe we need to re-examine our sign ordinances and take notice of how a sign of this size and illumination pollutes our environment, simply to announce the existence of the schools and events in their school calendars.

We, as citizens, have an obligation to watch over our elected officials to see that they are acting in the best interest of our students and of the citizens in general.

Is anyone else bothered by this sign, especially its size and illumination?